Both a coastline with idyllic beaches and a marine reserve dotted with hundreds of islands, Shark Bay is an ecological and zoological sanctuary. It is hardly surprising that the region, some 800km/500mi north of Perth, is a UNESCO listed site. Divers come to observe the antics of dugongs (sea cows), humpback whales and dolphins. Even more amazing are the stromatolites (living fossils!) that cover the beach at Hamelin Pool.